SOCIAL SECURITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1938, Page 8

SOCIAL SECURITY

BROADENING OF SCHEME PROPOSED

STATEMENT BY MR SAVAGE.

BENEFITS FOR MORE PEOPLE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An extension of the benefits contained in its original proposals for superannuation and a free health service is contemplated by the Govern' ment. In his speech at Nelson on Monday night, Mr H. Atmore, M.P.. who is a member of the special Parliamentary committee appointed to examine these proposals, said the first proposals had been modified in the direction of increasing the benefits. This disclosure of Mr Atmore’s is confirmed by a statement made by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon M. J. Savage. “When the social security proposals of the Government are passed into law during the coming session qf Parliament they will be wider in scope than was originally intended,” said Mr Savage. The Prime Minister added that he could not give any of the details at present, but it was true that the legislative proposals that were now being shaped after consideration of the evidence given to the Parliamentary committee were wider in their application than was intended originally and would benefit more people. Under its order of reference the committee has to report to Parliament within 28 days of the opening of Parliament. However, as the committee has completed its examination of the Government’s proposals, heard evidence, and held its final meeting, it is generally expected that this document will make its appearance very soon after Parliament opens this month. The social security proposals were considered for two days by the Parliamentary Labour Party at a caucus held last week. It was subsequently stated by Mr Savage that caucus had approved the proposals and that the drafting of the necessary legislation would follow without delay.